Stephen Alan Dunnigan, Appellate Attorney in Newport News, Virginia
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratDunnigan & Messier, P.C.
Newport News, VA
Practicing appellate in Newport News since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Stephen Alan Dunnigan?
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Quick answer
Stephen Alan Dunnigan is a partner based in Newport News, VA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents. Stephen has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dunnigan & Messier, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Newport News, VA
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Bankruptcy · Car Accidents
- Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents matters from Newport News, VA.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Stephen Alan Dunnigan: Stephen Alan Dunnigan is a partner based in Newport News, VA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents. Stephen has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dunnigan & Messier, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Stephen takes on
Stephen concentrates on appellate, bankruptcy, car accidents, child custody, and child support. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Bankruptcy
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Car Accidents
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Child Custody
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Child Support
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Criminal Defense
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Divorce
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DUI/DWI
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Family Law
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General
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Medical Malpractice
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Nursing Home
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Personal Injury
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Securities
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Traffic
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Workers Comp
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SSD
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Appellate cases in Newport News, Virginia
Stephen takes appellate matters in Newport News, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Bankruptcy cases in Newport News, Virginia
Stephen takes bankruptcy matters in Newport News, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Car Accidents cases in Newport News, Virginia
Stephen takes car accidents matters in Newport News, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Newport News, Virginia
Stephen takes child custody matters in Newport News, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Child Support cases in Newport News, Virginia
Stephen takes child support matters in Newport News, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Stephen Alan Dunnigan — appellate lawyer in Newport News
Stephen Alan Dunnigan is a partner based in Newport News, VA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents. Stephen has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dunnigan & Messier, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Stephen Alan Dunnigan is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy law, child support, criminal law and 15 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from James Madison University in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Stephen practices at Dunnigan & Messier, P.C. in Newport News, VA.
Stephen's approach to appellate cases
Stephen Alan Dunnigan is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy law, child support, criminal law and 15 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from James Madison University in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Stephen practices at Dunnigan & Messier, P.C. in Newport News, VA.
The kind of cases Stephen takes
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and car accidents matters in Newport News and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law
J.D. · 1984
James Madison University
B.A. Political · 1981
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1984 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law and B.A. Political in James Madison University.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law and B.A. Political in James Madison University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Stephen's professional memberships and bar associations
Virginia State Bar Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
membership
Locations
Stephen Alan Dunnigan's office in Newport News
Stephen's primary office is at 305 Main Street, Newport News, VA, 23601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen Alan Dunnigan — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Newport News.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen Alan Dunnigan claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Stephen Alan Dunnigan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Newport News, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Stephen
Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephen Alan Dunnigan
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Newport News?
Stephen is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new appellate clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Newport News, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
Stephen handles appellate matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Virginia
If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Newport News handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.